CMA Federal Health Reform Update March 23, 2017 Advocacy, CMA, Health Care Reform ACA, AHCA, CMA 0 This afternoon, House Republican leaders cancelled the much-anticipated vote on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) repeal and replace legislation – the American Health Care Act (AHCA) – after failing to garner the necessary votes. They vowed to continue to push for consensus within their caucus and move it to the Senate before the April recess. Leaders are trying to thread the needle between the more conservative Freedom Caucus members who believe that tax credits constitute an entitlement program and want a complete repeal of the ACA, and the moderate Republicans – many of whom are from California – who want to stop the Medicaid cuts and provide more income-based tax credits. But when President Trump was unable to strike a deal with the 36 –member Freedom Caucus today, the vote was cancelled. At least 16 moderate House Republicans have expressed their opposition to the bill, and the Republicans can only lose 22 votes on the floor to gain passage. CMA is urging physician leaders to stay engaged by calling and writing your Member of Congress through our Physician Call to Action. It’s crucial that we keep the pressure on. It’s especially important that medical societies and physicians leaders in the Central Valley keep trying to meet with your Republican Representatives. Their votes are essential to improving this legislation. CMA continues to voice serious concerns with the legislation because it: Makes dramatic cuts to the Medicaid program, shifting the burden to states and physicians. Does nothing to improve access to doctors by increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates or ensuring greater choice of physicians within health plan networks. Results in 3 million more uninsured Californians (24 million nationwide) Renders insurance unaffordable for many low-moderate income and older Californians by repealing the income-based tax credits. In addition, CMA continues to push several amendments to increase the Medicaid (Medi-Cal) physician payment rates to Medicare levels to improve access to care. View the joint CMA/CA Dental Association letter to Congress, along with the AMA letter and CMA’s summary of the bill. Also view a CMA infographic entitled, “Access to Health Care Coverage Matters” providing the top-line California statistics in the debate. We will continue to keep you informed of developments. Comments are closed.
